pro bono

adjective

ˌprō-ˈbō-(ˌ)nō 

: being, involving, or doing professional and especially legal work donated especially for the public good

pro bono work

pro bono adverb

Did you know?

In Latin, pro bono publico means "for the public good;" in English we generally shorten the phrase to pro bono. Donating free legal help to those who need it has long been a practice of American law firms; the American Bar Association actually recommends that all lawyers donate 50 hours a year. Pro bono work is sometimes donated by nonlegal firms as well. For example, an advertising firm might produce a 60-second video for an environmental or educational organization, or a strategic-planning firm might prepare a start-up plan for a charity that funds shelters for battered women.

Examples of pro bono in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

News Jewish Family Service said new Trump administration policies have curbed migrant arrivals but have also highlighted the need for pro bono immigration legal services. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025

The rule allows federal employees to accept pro bono legal services if the work is connected to their official duties or prior involvement in a presidential campaign or transition team. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

The Los Angeles law firm had previously worked with the ADL, including to provide pro bono legal assistance to parents whose children are experiencing antisemitism in California schools. —Taylor Romine, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

The Harris campaign used Sublime’s product pro bono, Kamdjou said. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin pro bono publico for the public good

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

pro bono

adverb or adjective

ˌprō-ˈbō-nō

: being, involving, or doing legal work donated especially for the public good

Etymology

Latin pro bono publico for the public good